Stories by Matt Masterson
Chance the Rapper Announces 10 CPS Schools Receiving $10K Donations
| Matt Masterson
Days after giving $1 million to Chicago Public Schools to support arts and enrichment programming, the Chicago-born rapper named 10 individual schools that would each receive a separate gift from his nonprofit organization, SocialWorks.
Neurologist: Manganese Exposure Limits Not Adequate
| Alex Ruppenthal
Federal limits for exposure to manganese might not be adequate to protect public health, says a Washington University neurologist.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 9-12
| Maya Miller
A trio of St. Patrick’s Day parades, cultural events and more usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Democrats Call Rauner’s Conspiracy Theory ‘Delusional Babble’
| Amanda Vinicky
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner accuses Democrats of being behind a coordinated effort to shut down state government.
Reports: Bears to Sign QB Glennon
| Paris Schutz
The Chicago Bears look to rebound from their miserable 3-13 season when the free agent signing period starts Thursday. And multiple reports say the Bears are all but certain to sign a new quarterback.
‘Celebrating Plácido’ Highlights Accomplished Career of Opera Star
| Eddie Arruza
When Plácido Domingo takes the stage at Lyric Opera of Chicago this week, he will be reaching new pinnacles in a career that is already astonishing for its accomplishments and longevity.
History Comes to Life as CPS Students Meet ‘Hamilton’
| Brandis Friedman
The Founding Father who became the subject of one of the most popular Broadway musicals in a generation is also the subject of a history lesson in Chicago Public Schools.
CTU Delegates to Consider 1-day Walkout
| Matt Masterson
A union spokesman confirmed the union’s 800-member House of Delegates will begin discussions Wednesday over a “possible May 1 action.” No strike vote has yet been scheduled.
Family’s Journey Told in Oscar-Nominated Documentary ‘Life, Animated’
| Alexandra Silets
Cornelia Suskind tell us about her son Owen, the subject of a new documentary film.
‘Cat Wars’ Interview Stirs Up Emotions, Sparks Response
| Maya Miller
Last month, ornithologist Pete Marra sat down with Chicago Tonight to discuss his book detailing outdoor cats’ impact on U.S. bird populations. It was an interview that stirred up emotions on all sides.
Study: Waterfall Sounds Enhance Deep Sleep, Memory in Older Adults
| Kristen Thometz
Deep sleep is vital to memory and decreases with age. Playing pink noise – described as a waterfall-like sound – in sync with a person’s brain waves was found to enhance deep sleep and sleep-dependent memory retention in older adults, according to a new Northwestern study.
New Book Explores Murder Case that Brought Neuroscience to Court
| Paul Caine
How as a society should we define responsibility and free will? A new book by Chicago-based journalist Kevin Davis explores these issues.
Local Politicians, Advocacy Groups React to GOP’s ACA Replacement
| Paris Schutz
House Republicans released their plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act on Monday night. How will it impact insurance rates, coverage and Medicaid?
ASPIRA Charter Teachers Set March Strike Date
| Matt Masterson
If progress isn't made over the next 10 days in ongoing labor negotiations, educators in a small Chicago charter school network say they will walk off the job in what would be the nation’s first charter teachers strike.
Preservation Chicago Names City’s 7 Most Endangered Structures of 2017
| Erica Gunderson
This year, the group’s annual list of endangered structures sounds the alarm on not just buildings, but also public art.
Rauner: ‘No Reason to Wait’ on CPS Funding
| Amanda Vinicky
Following calls Monday by Chance the Rapper to “do your job,” Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday said there are two viable plans to quickly get $215 million to Chicago Public Schools.
Alderwoman: More Info Needed to Evaluate Chicago Manganese Ban
| Alex Ruppenthal
Several advocacy groups are calling on Chicago to ban storage of materials containing manganese in residential areas following a 2016 study that revealed potentially harmful levels of manganese dust on the city’s Southeast Side.
Chance the Rapper Donates $1M to Chicago Public Schools
| Brandis Friedman
The Grammy winner announced a $1 million donation to CPS, just as Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office presented new ideas to rescue the cash-strapped district from its funding wreckage.
International Women’s Day Events in Chicago
| Maya Miller
Wednesday marks the 106th International Women’s Day. From a Chicago rally to a neighborhood restaurant crawl to stand-up comedy, there are plenty of ways to celebrate.
A Brief History of International Women’s Day
| Maya Miller
Though the United Nations didn’t designate March 8 International Women’s Day until 1975, its origins trace back to 1909, according to information compiled by the United Nations.
Local Groups React to Revised Travel Ban
| Paris Schutz
Local reaction was quick and sharp Monday to the president’s revised travel ban. Will it pass constitutional muster?
Revolutionary Dance of Merce Cunningham in the Spotlight at MCA
| Marc Vitali
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago joined forces with the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis for a dual exhibition about an artist of dance who worked with celebrated artists of other disciplines.
Report: Impoverished Households Face ‘Critical’ Rental Shortage
| Maya Miller
For extremely low-income households, there is a shortage of affordable housing across the U.S., according to a report released last week by the National Low Income Housing Coalition.
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